UP to 20 new jobs would be created if planning approval is agreed for a new industrial estate in a remote village near West Linton.

A planning application has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council by W M Rose & Sons, a company which specialises in supplies and service of agricultural, construction and industrial equipment, for eight new rural business/industrial units on land to the north east of Lamancha.

The application site provides an opportunity to sustainably expand and diversify the existing business whilst enhancing its viability.

In what is a remote area that has strong demand for such premises, the applicant has had numerous enquiries from local rural businesses, and it is this demand that the proposal seeks to deliver.

A report with the application, submitted by Ferguson Planning, says: “The applicant’s business was established in 1953 and the current premises have been operational since that time in Lamancha.

“They employ approximately 15 people in the local area with this proposal estimated to accommodate up to eight new businesses and approximately 16 to 20 new employees/workers. This will bring a significant economic boost to this peripheral part of the Scottish Borders.

“It is expected that occupiers will be drawn primarily from the local area with links or similar service offering to the existing rural/business premises that sits adjacent to the subject site.

“Given that many local businesses struggle to get suitable spaces in the local area and have to travel considerable distances to find it (Midlothian, Edinburgh and further south in the Borders), the proposals would significantly reduce travel times by providing much needed spaces in the locality.

“Approximately eight new units for the rural service sector would meet identified demand whilst also ensuring the long-term viability of the applicant’s existing business and supporting the creation of expansion of other businesses in the locality.”